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Family Thyrididae (Thyridid Moths)

Description of Thyrididae

The Thyrididae are members of the Superfamily Thyridoidea (formerly part of the Superfamily Pyraloidea). Thyrididae are primarily distributed in the tropics and subtropics, with 760 described species and 12 species recorded in America north of Mexico. These are mostly small moths, although some tropical species are much larger. The moths of some genera are diurnal. The body is usually stout, with relatively short wings, color pattern similar on both wings, and cryptic coloration among dead leaves. The moths perch in a distinctive position, with the body raised, midlegs not touching the substrate, and the wings held outspread. Caterpillars are concealed feeders within rolled leaves or burrow in stems; some induce galls. Recorded host plants are members of 30 families.

Subfamily: Thyridinae (Thyridines)

The Thyrididae are members of the Superfamily Thyridoidea (formerly part of the Superfamily Pyraloidea). Thyrididae are primarily distributed in the tropics and subtropics, with 760 described species and 12 species recorded in America north of Mexico. These are mostly small moths, although some tropical species are much larger. The moths of some genera are diurnal. The body is usually stout, with relatively short wings, color pattern similar on both wings, and cryptic coloration among dead leaves. The moths perch in a distinctive position, with the body raised, midlegs not touching the substrate, and the wings held outspread. Caterpillars are concealed feeders within rolled leaves or burrow in stems; some induce galls. Recorded host plants are members of 30 families.